Since
2002, Bank of China Manila has been working towards boosting bilateral
cooperation in the economic, financial, and trade fields between China and the
Philippines. From efforts like the SME Cross-Border Trade and Investment
conference, where Filipino businesses were matched with Chinese investors, to
the facilitation of two panda bond issuances, the bank has been steadfast in
pursuing its mission of bridging the Philippine and Chinese markets.
That mission goes beyond business, as Bank of China Manila extends its efforts
to bridging people. “Our two countries have been friends for a long time.
We share many similarities, but we also share many differences. Through this
exchange of cultures, we hope to enhance the understanding between the peoples
of Philippines and China,” said Mr. Deng Jun, Country Head of Bank of
China Manila.
In partnership with the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (MET), the Chinese Culture and Art Association, and China Daily Mail, Bank of China is launching an international arts and cultural exchange program between China and the Philippines. The project brings together five Filipino artists and five Chinese artists to participate in a brief residency in historically and culturally significant locations that will juxtapose similarities and nuances of people, place, and nature. It will culminate in two group exhibitions in both countries with corresponding public programs.
A shared advocacy
In its aim to bridge cultures, Bank of China is endeavoring to unpack and
highlight the similarities between the Philippines and China. For both
countries, rapid growth has at times led observers to disregard the negative
impact of economic activity on the environment. But environmental protection
has now become a common goal for both nations to preserve their vast natural
resources.
It is this kinship with the living environment that inspired the theme for the
cultural exchange. Dubbed “In Harmony with Nature”, the program seeks to
present the issue of climate change and mankind’s stewardship of the natural
environment, from an artist’s perspective.
This kind of advocacy is something Bank of China is no stranger to. “We
care deeply about the environment, and that extends to our business as well. We
implement a strict Green Financing policy where we only finance projects that
do not damage the environment,” said Mr. Deng.
An exchange of art and culture
For this project, ten renowned Filipino and Chinese artists have been chosen
for the caliber of their work, the strength of their practice, and potential
synergy with their counterparts. They are some of the most distinguished in their
respective countries, and are able to convey complex non-art concepts through
their artistic lenses.
First, the participants will undergo a brief residency in Palawan before
returning to Manila to exhibit their work at the MET. This initial leg will be
punctuated with a collaborative/interactive painting that will be held during
the exhibit’s opening day. After the art exhibition in the Philippines, a counterpart
art exhibition will be held in China. It will then be the Filipino artists’
turn to visit China for a similar residency and collaborative painting
activity.
The participating artists from the Philippines are Manuel Baldemor, Rico
Lascano, Phyllis Zaballero, Norberto Carating, and Jonahmar Salvosa. Their
Chinese counterparts are Kuku Chai Bukuk, Cai Zhixin, Ding Jie, Hao Ping, and
Liu She.
